Hey guys, this is actually the epilogue for my newly-completed story: Dragon's Tears. I would recommend you reading that story first before reading this if you haven't done so. It's a long tale, but I promise the ride will be enjoyable! ^^ As for those who have read Dragon's Tears, this is the epilogue I have promised you. This is the beginning of the end; the alpha of omega.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon.

How long has it been since?

Frankly, I don't know. I mean, you usually know that one day has passed either after the sun goes down, or rises. Or you just go to sleep at night and when you wake up, you know it's already another day. You have a fairly regular sleep cycle—so you know.

The thing with me is, I don't have it anymore.

I don't really close my eyes, because in war that could have been the end. And the war is still on, you know, just not in blades and blood. It's inside of me—a struggle to really let you go (as if I had a say in it—like you told Gwen, there are so many things in life we can't control). So I can't close my eyes yet, because the war is still going on.

I can't close my eyes, because if I do, when (If? When? I don't know) they are open again, the other side of the bed will surely, I know, be made. Your side of the bed. Well, you are an early riser, so in most days that will still be the case—but let's face it: we know it's different this time.

Am I dreaming?

What would you say if I ask you that this time?

Has it been days, or weeks? All I know that it is still winter, because it's still cold outside. And from the window, I can see snow—it's white, now.

Oh, yes, there was a parade, I think, on the town square. Right after we went back from the battlefield. All the ones left behind leapt into the arms of their loved ones. Some shed tears, yes, when they realized that the person they were waiting for were not in the ones that made it back—but at least they have something to remember them by.

I gave that Anna girl the ring that man left me. She broke in tears before me.

She kept the ring.

I keep nothing of you.

I mean, I don't even have a picture of you, you notice? We should have asked someone to paint us together—or you, at least—I thought we had the time. I should have known better, right?

I hear someone knocking the door. "Neil…" it's Rod, "Please, I know you're in there…"

Well, where else would I be?

"People have been asking where you've been, y'know?"

Of course I'm here. I have no choice, do I?

"And… you know… I'm right here for you. Just open the door and let me in…?"

I lean against the door, pressing the back of my head on the wooden plane. His offer sounds tempting, for a moment, for Rod always has that kind of inviting warmth. But I am in no mood for that. It is cold, but cold preserves better than heat. In fact, heat destroys.

Don't you think so? We know better than anyone else how destructive we could be. Fire, lightning—elements of destruction.

Maybe that's why the things turn out the way they are now.

"It's still snowing outside, you know, Neil…" Rod says, "Do you… want to build a snowman?"

I feel something slipping from my pocket. I reach for it and I see it again. That gem. It rests against my palm, and I can feel it burning into my skin. I clench my fist and the sharp edge of your tear pierce into my skin.

It's real. The pain, I mean. It's no dream.

So this is it.

Life after you.

A/N: So, this will be a multi-chapter epilogue, written in mostly Neil's perspective. This is why I put it separately: because the narration style is different from the main story so that I can focus more on the emotions (I hope). Thanks for reading! Please tell me what you think about this. ^^

P.S.: Anyone notice the recurring Disney reference there?